P81172

Hepcidin also known as HAMP, HEPC, LEAP1, HFE2B is involved in the maintenance of iron homeostasis, and it is necessary for the regulation of iron storage in macrophages, and for intestinal iron absorption. Hepcidin recognizes a protein crucial for maintaining iron balance in the body by controlling iron absorption from the intestine and release from macrophages. Hepcidin achieves this by binding to the iron exporter ferroportin, leading to ferroportin internalization and degradation, which effectively reduces iron levels in circulation. Iron regulation is essential not only for preventing iron overload conditions, such as hemochromatosis, but also for ensuring iron availability for critical biological processes, including hemoglobin synthesis and cellular respiration.